The accuracy and relevance of AI responses are directly influenced by the quality of the prompt
Gone are the days of long, time-consuming online searches.
With AI tools, the quality of your answers depends entirely on the quality of your questions.
Like kids, AI needs precision. The way you ask shapes the quality of the answers.
Think about it: if you use complex jargon with a child, they’ll struggle to understand. But if you ask clear, thoughtful questions even on big topics like space or history,you’ll spark curiosity and get meaningful conversations.
Vague questions? The discussion dies quickly.
The same rule applies to AI: clear questions, better answers.
AI for Network Engineers
Network engineers can unlock a new level of precision once they master prompt engineering. This is especially true for junior engineers who often struggle to make sense of complex tasks.
Here are a few areas where prompt engineering makes a real difference:
- Log analysis: Quickly interpret log samples to identify what’s happening in the network.
- Code assistance: Use AI to understand scripts when you’re stuck and accelerate troubleshooting.
- Industry insights: Ask LLMs for the latest trends, top companies, and tools shaping network engineering today.
Prompt engineering isn’t just about better questions; it’s about working smarter and faster in the field.
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What makes a good prompt?
Prompt Engineering isn’t an AI trick; it’s a productivity skill every tech professional needs today for more agility.
Here’s what makes a great prompt:
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Instruction: Clearly state what you want.
Example: Can you summarize this technical article on OSPF in 10 lines?
The prompt
The output
- Role: Assign a role to the AI.
Example: Imagine you are an OSPF advocate like Cecilia Lagnelöv, teaching the basics to a 12-year-old curious geek with simple analogies to understand the protocol.
The prompt
The output
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Context: Provide background or details needed.
Example: I’m configuring OSPF between two Cisco routers (ISR 4431). Both interfaces are in the same subnet (10.1.1.0/30), MTU is mismatched (1500 vs 1400), and one router has OSPF priority set to 0. What should I do?
The prompt
The output
- Formatting: Specify the output format
Example: Create a table comparing OSPF and BGP for data center interconnect.
The prompt
The output
- Style/Tone: Define how formal or simple the language should be.
Example: Can you create for me a BGP glossary from A to Z and explain each concept with a tone like a principal network engineer?
The prompt
The output
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Examples: Give sample inputs or outputs to guide AI’s response.
Examples: Here is how I usually configure OSPF; what should I improve in my configs?
The prompt
The output
Conclusion
We live in an era where AI is unavoidable. Network engineers, as guardians of the digital world, must move from being spectators to active drivers of change. AI isn’t here to replace us; it’s a powerful ally in navigating a digital landscape where innovation moves faster than ever.